The 2010 Tinto is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Castelao, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah, aged for four months in American oak. Laced with sweet oak early on, this also has the Syrah and Tinta Roriz in full flight, earthy and up front. The juicy fruit is delicious, but this wine is also one with nice structure and some character, a touch of a beefy note that eventually blends into the whole. It is quite appealing in its fruit forward, modern and tasty style, but it has the structure to hold decently and a bit of a steely finish. If I had a quibble, it did thin a bit and doesn’t show as much concentration as first seemed apparent. But in its presumed price range, that is hardly a major issue. More importantly, I kept liking it more and more. I suspect that what it does best will likely be on display later this year and over the next few years, but it may hold even better. Drink now-2019. These particular bottles are not imported. In the past, Alorna has provided excellent value in these well-structured bottlings, so hopefully that gets straightened out promptly.Importer: Grape Moments, a Division of Sintra Imports, New Bedford, MA; tel. (508) 997-0100

The 2008 Tinto is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Castelao, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. If this had a flaw when I first saw it, it was its first impression demeanor, making it too one dimensional and simple. I thought it would come along fine with a little extra time to settle, and so it has. It can still seem a bit compact, but its purity of fruit, the steel underneath, the complexity of flavors and the intensity certainly make it an interesting wine that will appeal both to geeks and others. Its very nice price point makes it a nice bargain. It may well hold longer than I am giving it credit for. Drink now-2017.Importer: Grape Moments, a Division of Sintra Imports, New Bedford, MA; tel. (508) 997-0100